CA2634809A1 - Optical fiber distribution frame with pivoting connector panels - Google Patents

Abstract

A fiber optic telecommunications frame is provided including rotatable panels having front and rear termination locations, the panels positioned on left and right sides of the frame. The frame includes vertical access for the rear cables, and rear cable guides disposed within the frame. The frame further includes left and right vertical cable guides for patch cables. The frame further includes cable storage spools for the patch cables positioned adjacent to the left and right panels of the frame. The frame includes a horizontal passage linking the left and right panels and the cable guides. A lower portion of the frame defines splice tray holders and a central passage from the splice tray holders to the rear sides of the left and right panels. From a front of each panel, access to a rear of the panel is provided by the hinged panels.

Description

~

O1''I'ICAL FIBER DISTRIBUTION FiZAi1IE \\'ITII
I'I\VnTINC CONNECTOR PANELS
Ilack(Trclund of the Invcntion 1. Field of the ]nvention "1'llis invention pertains to the teleconlnlunications industry. More particularly, this invention pertains to a high-density flber dlstrlbLltlOll frame for use in the teleconlniunications industry.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the teleconinlunications industry, use of fiber optic cables for carrying transrllission signals is rapidi), growincl. 'I'o corulect fiber optic equipment.
fiber distribution frames have been developed. Examples of prior art fiber distribution fralrles are shown in conlmonly assigned U.S. I'atent Nos.
4,995,688;
5,497,444; and 5,758.003. In each of the fiber distribution franles of the prior patents, a pluratity of adapters are provided which pernlit attachment of fiber optic connectors to both sides of each adapter in order to optically couple two fiber optic cables. Cables from the adapters are colulected to various pieces of Gber optic equiptnent. Using patcli cords or cables between the adapters, the pieces of optical equipnent are then cross-connected through the frame. The frame defines a dernarcation point between the equipnlent.
Notwithstanding advances previously made in the art, tllere is a continuotls need for further advances to mailltain a hi~,h-densitv of connector terminals. There are ful-ther needs for ready access to the fiber optic connectors, enhanced f ber manalement, and avoidance of excessive bendin', and stresses on the fiber optic cables.

Sutnniar-v of the Invention An aspect of the present invention relates to a fiber distribution frame comprising:
(a) a rack extending vertically frotn a bottom to a top, the rack definine a left side, a right side, a front, and a rear;
(b) a top cable access at the top of the racl:, and a bottom cable access at the botton-1 of the rack;
(c) two vertical colunlns of splice tl-ay holders, each colun-ln defining a plurality of angled divider walls eacli sized to receive a splice tray;
(d) a vertical cable passa-eway between the colurnns of splice tray holders, the ver-tical cable passageway in communication with the top cable access and the bottom cable access.

Brief Dcsct=iption of the Drawings FIG. I is a front, top and right side perspective view of a first embodiment of a fiber distribution fraine according to the present invention, with portions shown in exploded view, and ,vith the frorit doors removed;
FIG. 2 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 1, showing the upper front doors in the open positions, and the lower front doors in the closed positions;
FIG. 3 is a riglit sidc view of tlie franle of FIG. 1, showina the upper and lower doors in the closed positions;
FIG. 4 is a front, top and rieht side perspcctive view of one of the termination modules in the franie of FIG. 1:
FIG. 5 is a top view of the teri ination modulc of FICi. 4:

FIG. 6 is a front, top and right side perspective view of the termination nlodule of FIG. 4, shown with the main panel and the cable access door pivoted to open positions;
FIG. 7 is a top view of the ternlination niodule of FIG. 6 with the main panel and the cable access door in the open positions;
FIG. 8 is a front, top and left side perspective view of the termination module, with portions removed, and with the main panel in the open position, showino exemplary cable path,.vays;
FIG. 9 is a front, top and ri.Qht side perspective view of the niain housinR of the termination module;
FIG. 10 is a front view of the main housing, of FIG. 9;
FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional top view of the franle taken along lines 11-11 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional top view of the frame tal:en along lines 12-12 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional top view of the frame taken along the lines 13-13 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 14 is a front, top and right side perspectivc vie", of a second enlbodiment of a fiber distribution franle according to the present inverltion, with portions shown in exploded vietv;
FIG. 15 is a front view of the frame of FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is a rip-ht side view of the frame of FIG. 14;
FIG. 17 is a front, top and rigllt side perspective view of one of the termination nlodules in the frame of FIG. 14;
FIG. 18 is a top viekv of the termination niodule of FIG. 17;
FIG. 19 is a front, top and right side perspective viexv of the termination module of FIG. 17, shown with the main panel pivoted to the open position;
FIG. 20 is a top view of the ternlination module of FIG. 19 with the main panel in the open position;
FIG. 21 is a front, top and left side perspective view of the ternlination module of FIG. 17, xvith the main panel in the open position, showinp eaemplary cable pathways;
FIG. 22 is a front, top and right side perspective view of the nlain housing of the termination module of FIG. 17;
FIG. 23 is a front view of the main housinc of FIG. 22;
FIG. 24 is a top view of the frame of FIG. 14;

WO 00152504 4 PCT/US00l03968 FIG. 25 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a third enibodiment of a fiber distribution lrame according to the pi-esent invention;
FIG. 26 is a front, top and right side pcrspcctive vicw of the f--amc of FIG. 25, showing features in exploded view;
FIG. 27 is a front, top and right side perspective vicw of the framc of FIG. 25, showino the splice tray assenibly in a reversed oricntation to thc franie of FIG. 25;
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an upper cable ring froni the frame of FIGS. 25-27;
FIG. 29 is a top view of the cable ring of FIG. 28;
FIG. 30 is a front, top and rieht side perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fiber distribution frame according to the present invention, with portions of the frame removed, and with one of the panels in a pivoted open position;
FIG. 31 is a front view of tlle frame of FIG. 30;
FIG. 32 is a front, top and riglit side perspective view of an upper portion of the franle of FIG. 30;
FIG. 33 is a front, top and left side perspective view of one of the termination modules in the frame of FIG. 30;
FIG. 34 is a front, top and left side perspective view of the temlination niodule of FIG. 33, sho\vn with the main panel pivoted to the open position;
FIG. 35 is a front, top and left side perspective view of the termination module of FIG. 34, with the main panel in the open position, showing exemplary cable pathways;
FIG. 36 is a front, top and right side perspective view of the tennination module shown in FIG. 35 with the exeniplary cable pathways;
FIG. 37 is a front, top and right side perspective view of a teniiination module like the view of FIG. 35, and sliowing a protective cable cover mounted to the main panel; the tcrmination module of FIG. 37 confirtnrcd anci arranged for the left side of the frame of FIG. 30.

Detailed Description of the Prcfcrrcd E-mbodinicnts Referring to FIGS. 1-3, one preferrcd embodiment of a bay or franiz 20 is shown for splicing, terminating, and managing f~iber optic cables within the frame. Further fcatures of frame 20 are shown in I-1GS. 4-13. An upper portion 22' of frame 20 defines a termination and storaLic area. A lower portion 24 of frame 20 defines a splice area. Cables containing one or morc individual optical fibers enter wo 00/52504 ~ PcTiusooi03968 fi-anie 20 typically from an overhead cable environinent through a top 26 of frame 20, or from a raised floor environment at a bottom 28 of frame 20. If the cables are pre-terminated, the cables eztend directl%= to termination and stora2e area 22. If the cables entering franie 20 are not pre-terminated, the cables extend to splice area 24 for splicing to terminated cables. F1-oni splice area 24, the cables then extend to termination and storage area 22. In termination and storage area 22, a plurality of accessible ternlination locations are provided for the terniinated cables and for connecting other cables to the tcrminated cables, such as patcll cords or cables.
Utilizing patch cables, telecotnmunications equipment can be cross-connected between the terniination locations throuuh frame 20.
Frame 20 includes a rack 30 which supports a plurality of termination niodules 32. In the preferred embodiment, left and right arrays 34, 36 of termination niodules 32 are provided. Each array 34, 36 in the illustrated embodiment includes three individual ternlination nlodules 32a (left side), 32b (right side).
Rack 30 also supports an inner bay management panel 40 positioned bethveen arrays 34, 36 of terminatioil modules 32 for organizing and storini!
excess lenoths of patch cables. Preferably, inner bay management panel 40 includes a vertical arrav of individual niodules or sections 40a. By providing individual termination nlodules 32a, 32b and individual sections 40a of inner bay management panel 40 all of which are separately mountable to rack 30, these nlodules can be added at different tiines to rack 30, and replaced, if desired. Also, customized frames 20 can be provided where other fiber optic manarement equiptnent may be utilized in one or more of the areas in rack 30 instead of the six ternlination modules 32a, 32b and the three sections 40a of inner bay management panel 40 of the illustrated embodinient.
Rack 30 further supports a splice tray assembly 44, for holding a plurality of splice trays 46. In the preferred embodinlent, fraine 20 includes two vertically stacked splice tray assemblies 44. Each splice tray 46 includes structure for holding the ends of a plurality of fiber optic cables, and for holdina individual splices between the ends of the cables. A variety of splice trays 46 niay be used.
Example splice trays are shov<n in commonly assigned U.S. Application Serial Number 09/158,182, filed Septeniber 21, 1998, the disclosui-e of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
Rack 30 further supports a horizontal cable tray 50 positioned between termination and storaue area 22 and splicc area 24. 1-lorizontal tra), supports patch cables on a front of frame 20 extendin- between the left and right arrays 34, 36 of terinination modules 32 and inner bay management panel 40.
Tray 50 also suppor-ts patch cables extending between franlc 20 and furtlier frames 20 or other telecommunications equipnient in an adjacent area.
Frame 20 p--eferably includcs hingedly mounted upper front doors 52, 54, and hingedly mounted lower front doors 56, 58 for protection of the cables, connectors, adapters and splice trays. Upper front doors 52, 54 pivot about vertical axes. Lower front doors 56, 58 pivot about horizontal axes. The doors preferably include one or n-iore latclies 59 to retain them in the closed positions.
Rack 30 fui-ther supports two vertical cable 0uides 60, 62, one on each side of rac}: 30, for use in managing and p--otecting patcli cables adjacent to a front of frame 20. Cable Puides 60, 62 include a plurality of spaced apart fin-ers 65 ,vhich permit cable access to an interior of eacli of cable guides 60, 62 tliroubh a vertical side of each guide. In the illustrated embodiment, each cable guide 60, 62 also includes hinge plates 64 for forming a portion of the hinge for upper front doors 52, 54. Each cable guide 60, 62 is preferably made in seoments, as part of the modular design of frame 20.
For ease of assembly, and versatility in use. components making up frame 20 are preferably separate coniponcnts held tocether by fasteners. For example, in the illustrated enibodiment, termination modules 32, inner bay manaLement panel 40, splice tray assemblies 44, cable trav 50, and cable ouides 60, 62 are separ-ate from rack 30.
Frame 20 defines various access openin's to permit cables to enter frame 20. At bottom 28 of frame 20, a center opening 66 allows cables to enter frame 20 from a raised floor environment. Central passage 68 allows the cables to pass to the indivi.dual splice trays46. Ties 69 (FIGS. 1 1 and 12) are provided to securely, tie the incoming cables to franic 20. A central opening 70 in cable tray 50 linlcs splice area 24 to temlination and storage area 22. Adjacent to top 26 of franie 20, access openings are provided by a rear central openinp- 72 or two top openings 74, 76, one in each top termination module 32. For pre-tenninated cables, the cables can be passed directly throuali top openings 74, 76 for temlination in the termination modules 32. I-~or cables which are spllCCd to terminated cables, rear opening 72 opens into a rear vertical passage 78 which extends down to splice area 24, and ties 69, for splicing to the termination cables at splice trays 46.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 13, eacli section 40a of inncr bay nianaacinent panel 40 includes a center section 80, two for,,vardly extending opposed sides F?, 84. and onc or morc vertically spaced central spools 86 forwardly extendino, from center section 80. Spools ~6 provide for storage of excess cable lengths for patch cables. such as the patch cables extending betwecn left and rif!ht arravs 31, 36 of termination modules 32. Preferably, cach section 40a includes two NN'O 00/52504 7 PCT/USOO/0396S
spools 86, such that when only one section is provided, cable storage capability is provided.
Referring now to FIGS. 1. ?. and 12. each splicc tray assembly 44 includes a main horizontal support 90. a main back support 91, a plurality of divider walls 92, and plurality of spool cradles or supports 94, for supporting each of splice trays 46 having a round outer periineter. Divider %valls 92 eXtend vertically in the illustrated enibodinient. Main horizontal support 90 has an open niiddle 90a for cable passage. A cable 2uide finger 96, and a cable tie 98 are provided to securelN.
retain the cables to frame 20. Such pernlits removal of splice trays 46 from splice tray assembly 44, and the unwinding of the ends of the cable from splice tray without excessive stresses or movements of the cables. In the illustrated embodinient, divider walls 92 extend vertically. In other embodinients, the divider walls can be anRled with respect to the vertical, or even horizontal. While eac11 splice tray assembly 44 is shown as part of franie 20. the splice trays could be stored separate from frame 20, if desired.
Referrin[i now to FIGS. 1-3, and 11. horizontal cable tray 50 includes a main horizontal portion 99 including central opening 70, two opposed and upwardly extending curved cable guides 101 on each side of central opening 70.
and a center cover 102 over central opening 70. Curved guides 101 protect cables eltendinQ from splice area 24 to ternlination and storaRe area 22. Center cover 102 prevents stored patcli cables from hanging down from inner bay inanagenient panel 40 into splicc area 24. Cut outs 104 on each end of horizontal tray 50 can be filled in xvith horizontal suppoi-ts for supporting cables extendini! horizontally, or downwardly curved supports, if cables are directed down-,vardly from frame 20.
2 5 Horizontal cable tray 50 also includes a front wall 105. and a rear wall 106 extendini, froni main horizontal portion 99.
Referring now to FIGS. 4-10, each termination nlodule 32 includes a top 1 10, a bottom 112, opposed sides 114, 116, and a rear 118. The illustrated niodule 32 is from riLiht array 36. Preferably. eac11 of terniination niodules 32a, 32b are identical, but positioned in a flipped orientation. Therefore. top 1 10 and bottom 112 .vould be in the reversed orientation for the left arrav 34 of modules 32.
Eacli termination tnodule 32 defines an open front 120 preferably closed off by a first smallcr door 122 and a second larger door 124, both of which ai-e hinizedly mounted to a remainder of tcrmination module 32 about vertical axes.
First door 122 defines a cable access door, especially useful for allowing cables to enter the termination module 32 and for positioning cables passinc between locations on frame 20, such as cable extending between splice ai-ea 2=1, and an upper WO 00/52504 ~ PCT/US00/03968 termination module 32 positioned above the particular termination niodule 32.
Cable access door 122 is rotatively niounted to side 114 by a hinge 126.

SCColld dool- 1 24 derllles a nlaUl p:InCl 124 and is rotatably mountccl to side 116 by a second ltinge 128. Main panel 124 includes a plurality of rows 130 of openincs 132 each sized for holding an adapter 134. Adapters 134 each include at least two aligned opcnings, one on a front side 134a, and the other on a rear side 134b for }lolcling two connectors 142 to opticallN, coluiect the connectors and the cables connected to the connectors. Various adaptel-s 134 can be utilized includinL
an adapter of the type shokvn in U.S. Yatent No. 5, 317,663, constructed so as to have the commonly known SC configuration for receiving an SC connector on each end.
Ottier adapters/connectors styles can be utilized including ST, FC, E-2000, and other styles. Preferably, main panel 124 includes six upper rows 130 of eight openings each, and six lower rows 130 of eight openings each. If desired, less than eight of the openings can be utilized for a given application. In the illustrated embodiment, adapters 134 snap tnount to main panel 124 with a clip 135.
Designation strips (not shown) can be provided to label each of openings 132.
Rear connectors 142b are connected to the cables enterine frame 20 from the telecommunications equipinent. A rear 140 of main panel 124 is primarily utilized as a semi-penlianent connection between the connectors 142b and adapters 134. A front 138 of niain panel 124 defines a plurality of accessible termination locations Nvhich can be connected between each otlier tivith patch cables and connectors 142a, so as to cross-connect the telecommunications equipment.
Main panel 124 includes an angled side panel 143. Side panel 143 includes a vertical array of clips 14-4 adjacent eac}t ro\v 130 of openings 132. Clips 144 rotate witli main panel 124 and side panel 143. Each clip 144 liolds the cables from each colulector 142 disposed in each row. From clips 144,_the cables extend tliroueh a side access of each cable guide 60, 62. Clips 144 help retain and protect the cables as main panel 124 is rotated. Without clips 144, rotation of main panel 124 may excessively pull or push on thc pot-tions of the cables positioned -within cable gtlicies 60, 62.
Main panel 124 fu--the1- includes upper and lower hinge plates 146, 148. A top plate 150 and a bottom plate 152 define top 1 10 and bottom 112 of termination module 32 and each includes a hinge plate portion 154, 156 which cooperate with hinge plates 146, 148 to rotatably mount main panel 124 to top and bottom plates 150, 152. Each of hinge plate portions 154. 1 56 111Clude a stol) 1>8, 160 to limit rotation of main pancl 124.
Main rancl 124 is disposed at an angle to a vertical plane cxtendin~, parallel to ., front and a rea-- of frame 20. Such angling perniits increased dcnsitv over adapters 134 arranged .vith the lonoitudinal axes transverse to the front and rear planes. Also, cable management is facilitated by the angling of the cables to"vard cable guides 60, 62. For right arral' 36 of inodules 332, niain panels 124 are anQled toward the riQht side of rack 30. For left arrav 34 of niodules 32, niain pznels 124 are anelcd toward the left side of rack 30.
"l'o nlaintain main panel 124 in the closed position, sucii as shown in FIGS. 1-5, txvo latches 162 are provided. Each latch 1621 engages a tab 164 extending from top and bottoni plates 150, 152. Cable access door 121- is also maintained in the closed position showii in FIGS. 4 and 5 by a second latcli which engages an edge 168 of niain panel 124. Cable access door 122 also overlaps edge 168. Both top and bottom plates 150, 152 include cable passages 170, to perinit vertical passin-, of cables into, and throuph termination module 32, if desired.
Referring now to FIGS. 6-10, internal cable management features are pi-ovided within termination module 32. A cable clamp 182 securel)= holds a cable enterinp termination module 32. A lower tab 181a helps maintain the cable in passa-e 170. Tab 181 a also maintains other cables passing through module 32 in passage 170. An intermediate tab 181 c and an upper tab 181 b are also provided to position desired cables in passage 170. From clamp 182, the individual fibers are routed througli a cable transitional area 171 including various cable guides includin, tabs, spools, clips, or rings. A tie bracket 190 can be utilized with or instead of clamp 182 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) to tie down cable entering termination module 32. On rear 140 of main panel 124, a rear tray 192 is positioned in a central location on niain panel 124 projecting horizontally and rearwardly. Rear tray includes a plurality of horizontal cable rings 194. A curved edpe 196 helps prevent rear tray 192 from catcliing on cables positioned within an interior of termination modttle 132, either in vertical cable passage 170, or in cable transitional area 171.
As shown in FIG. 8, an example cable 184 containing niultiple fibers enters terinination module 32 through bottotn plate 152 in passage 170. Clanip holds cable 184. A first fiber 184a extends around upper spool or guides 186a, past intermediate guides 186b, and around lower spool or guides 186c, around lower corner guide 186d to lower ring 188b, tlu-ou(Yh horizontal ring 194 to one of the upper locations on main panel 124. Second exanlple fiber 184b extends around upper guides 186a, past intermediate guides 186b, around lower guides 186c, back upward past internlediate guides 186b, around upper guides 186a, around upper corner guide 186e and through upper rino 188a. From upper rin; 188a, second fiber 184b passes through horizontal ring 194 to a lower location on main panel 124.
All of adapters 134 on tnain panel 124 can be connected to individual fibers entering tetn--ination module 32. For additional termination modules mounted to frame 20, mounted above termination rnodule 32, thc cables will pass tlirou-h the lower terinination niodules to reach the upper terinination modules in passage 170.
In use, left array 34 of franie 20 may be utilizcd to terminate cables entering the building.
Right array 36 may be utilized to terminate cables connected to various telccomnuuiications equipnient witliin the building. Tlie fronts of eacii termination module 32 are utilized to run patch cables from the lcft side to the riglit side to cross-connect the various rear termination locations. The patch cables pass beneath inner bay management panel 40. I'ronl each front connector locatlon. the patch cables enter one of cable guide 60, 62 for vertical management of the patcll cables.
From a lower end of cable guides 60, 62 the cables pass liorizontally to the otlier side of frame 20, the inner bay manal;ement panel 40, or to another frame or other equipnient. Excess lengths of cable in the patch cables can be wound around appropriate spools 86 to conveniently store the excess lengths, and to avoid tangling the patch cables together. Alteniatively, the patch cables may run from either the left or the rioht array 34, 36 to an adjacent frame, or to other equipment.
Referring now to FIGS. 14-24, a second preferred enibodiment of a frame 220 is shown for splicinb, terniinatin-, and managing fiber 6ptic cables within the frame. An upper portion 222 of frame 220 defines a termination area. A
lower por-tion 224 of frame 220 defines a splice area. Cables containing one or more individual optical fibers enter frame 220 typically from an overhead cable environnient throucli a top 226 of frame 220, or from a raised floor environment at a bottom 228 of frame 220. If the cables are pre-terminated, the cables extend directly to termination area 222. If the cables entering frame 220 are not pre-temiinated, the cables extend to splice area 224 for splicini, to terminated cables.
From splice area 224, the cables extend to tcrinination area 222. In termination area 222, a plurality of accessible tennination locations are provided_for the terminated cables and for connecting other cables to the terminated cables, such as patcli cords or cables. Telecommunications equipment can be cross-coilnected bet'~veen the termination locations tlirouch fr=ame 220.
Frame 220 incltidcs a rack 230 Which supports a plurality of termination modules 232. In tlte illustrated embodiment. lcft and riglit arrays 234, 236 of termination modules 232 arc provided. Eaclt array 234, 236 in the illustrated embodinient includes tlu-ee individual termination modules 232a (left side).
232b (riglit side).
Rack 230 also suppoi-ts a cable management panel 240 positioned vcrtically along one oi- both arrays 234. 236 of terinination niodulcs 232 for organizing and storine cxcess lengths oi'patch cables. [n the iilustrated embodiment.
two cable management panels 240 are provided. l'anels 240 are joined to cnds of rack 230. Additional racks 230 can be mounted to panels 240 as desired.
'xith panels 240 servino as spacers between adjacent racks 230.
Each panel 240 includes two sections 240a. As noted above with respect to frame 20, by providing individual tcrmination inodules 232a, 23?h and individual sections 240a of cable manar-ement panel 240 all of which ai-e separately niountable to rack 230, these modules can be added at different times to rack 230, and replaced, if desired. Also, custoniized frames 220 can be provided wliere other fiber optic management equipnient can be utilized in one or nlore of the areas in rack 230 instead of the six tennination modules 232a, 232b and the two sections 240a of eacli cable mana-ement panel 240 of the illustrated embodiment.
Rack 230 fur-thei- supports a splice tray assembly 244, for holding a plurality of splice trays 46. Frame 220 includes two vertical stacks 246, 248 of splice tray holders. Splice tray 46 as noted above for frame 20 is usable for frame 220. Alternatively, otller splice trays niay be used.
Rack 230 fiirther supports a horizontal cable tray 250 positioned below splice area 224. Horizontal cable tray 250 supports patch cables on a front of frame 220 extending between the left and ri(,ht arrays 234, 236 of termination modules 232. Tray 250 also supports patch cables extending between franie 220 and further franles 220 or other telecomniunications equipment in an adjacent area.
Rack 230 further supports two vertical cable guides 260, 262, one on each side of rack 230, for use in managing aiid protecting patcli cables adjacent to a front of frame 220. Cable guides 260, 262 include a plurality of spaced apart fingers 265 which peri it cable access to an interior of eacll cable guide 260, 262 through a vertical side of each 2uide. Eacli of cable guides 260, 262 is preferabl}' made in segnients 263, as part of the modular design of franle 220.
As above with respect to frame 20, conlponents making tip frame 220 are preferably separate components held together by fasteners, to aid in assembly, and versatility in use. In the illustrated embodinlent, termination modules 232, cable managenlent panels 240, splice tray assembly 244, cable tray 250. and cable guides 260, 262 are separate from rack 230.
Frame 220 defines various access openings to perniit cables to enter frame 220. At bottoni 228 of frame 220, a center openin; 266 allows cables to enter franle 220 from a raised floor environment. Central passage 268 allows the cables to pass to the individual splice trays 46. Clamps 267 and ties 269 are provided to secure the incominQ cables to frame 220. A central passageway 270 links splice area 224 to termination area 222. Adjacent to top 226 of frame 220, an access opening 272 and cable clamps 275 are provided. For pi-e-tei-minated cables, the cables can be passed directly throu2h top opening 272 for termination in the tei-mination Nt'O 00/52504 12 I'CT/USOO/03968 niodules 232. ror cables which a--e spliced to terminated cables, openinl; 272 opens into a vertical passage 279 which extends do m to central passageway 270 to splice at-ea 224, and ties 269 for splicinp, to the termination cables at spliccs tl-ays 46.
Cable rings 274 are provided to manape the passage of cables in tennination area 222.
Each cable manabement panel 240 includes a center section 280, and one or nlore vertically spaced spools 286 forwardly extendin1g, from center section 280. Spools 286 provide for stora(,e of cxcess cable lenQths for patch cables, such as the patch cables eztending between leit and right alTays 234. 236 of tel-mination inodules 232. Each spool 286 preferably includes a front flanoe 287 to aid in cable retention on the spools 286.
Splice tra), assembly 244 iilcludes a main vertical support 290 and a plurality of divider xvalls 292 extending forwardly. The divider walls 292 are preferably arranged in two vertical stacks 246, 248. ruriher, the divider walls 292 are preferably angled. Splice t--ay assembly 244 is shown for use with cables entering adjacent to top 226 of fc-ame 220. If cables enter froni bottom 228, it may be advantageous to angle divider ,valls 292 in an opposite direction, as shoAn in FIG. 27 for modified frame 520. To facilitatc r-etention of splice trays 46 within the individual coni partments defined by divider walls 292, side lips 294 are provided on opposite sides of each divider wall 292. Also, front notches 295 are provided to facilitate ease of access to a stored splice tray 46. The angling of divider-s 292 aids in reducing the horizontal space taken up by splice tray assembly, and allows for sufficient cable pathway spacing to upper pathway 278.
Horizontal cable ttay 250 includes a niain horizontal portion 299, a rear wall 300, and one or nlore front walls 302. The front and rear walls 302, help protect and retain patch cables passing through horizontal cable tray 250.
Referring no ' to FIGS. 17-23, each termination module 232 includes a top 310, a bottom 312, opposed sides 314, 316, and a rear 318. Side 314 defines a side opening 315 bounded on three sides. Side opening 315 permits cable access to an interior of module 232. The illustrated module 232 is from ripht array 236.
1'--eferably each of termination modules 232a, 232)b ai-e identical but positioned in a flipped orientation. Therefore, top 310 and bottom 312 would be in a reversed orientation for the left array 234 of modules 232.
Eacli termination module 232 clefines an open front 320 preferably closed of1 by door or main panel 324 which is hinpedlV nlotlnted to a n7aln hOUSlnt, 322. Main panel 324 is rotatably mounted adjacent to side 316 bv a hin~.:e 328.
Main panel 324 includes a plurality of openings 332 (see FIGS. 14-16) each sized for holding one or more adaptcrs 134. Openings 332 are coniigw-cd as elongated slots. To facilitate mountin2 of adapters 134, anLled retainers 336 are provided. As noted above, various adapters 134 can be utilized includint-, an SC type.
Nreferably, main panel 324 includes six upper opening's 333, and six lower openings 332, each holdino ei0ht an-led retainers 336 and adapters 134. Alternatively, indiNFidual openings can be provided for each adapter as noted above in the enibodiment of FIGS. 1-13.
As noted above with respect to frame 20, rear connectors 142b are conrtected to the cables entering franie 220 fronl the teleconimunications equipment.
A rear 340 of niain panel 324 is primarily utilized as a senii-permanent connection between the connectors 142b and adapters 134. A front 338 of niain panel 324 defines a plurality of accessible terniination locations which can be cotuiected bet~veen each other ~r=ith patch cables and connectors 142a so as to cross-connect the teleconiniunications equipment. Main panel 324 includes an angled side panel includin'~ a vertical array of clips 344 adjacent each row of adapters 134.
Clips 344 rotate vvith main panel 324 and side panel 343. Each clip 344 holds the cables from each connector 142a disposed in each ro~\=. From clips 344, the cables extend throueh a side access of each cable guide 260, 262. Clips 344 help retain and protect the cables as main panel 324 is rotated. Without clips 344. rotation of main panel 324 may, excessivelN1 pull or push on the portions of the cables positioned within cable ;uides 260, 262.
Main panel 324 further includes upper and lower hinge plates 346, 348. A top plate 350 and a bottom plate 352 define top 310 and bottonl 312 of tennination nlodule 232 and each includes a hinoe plate porlion 354, 356 'hich cooperate with hinge plates 346, 348 to rotatablv niount main panel 334 to top and bottom plates 350, 352. Lach of hinge plate portions 354, 356 includes a stop 358, 360 to limit rotation of niain panel 324.
Main panel 324 is disposed at an angle to a vertical plane extendin-parallel to a front and a rear of frame 220. Such angling perniits increased density over adapters arranQed with the lon~itudinal axes trans~~erse to the front and rear planes. Also, cable manauement is facilitated by' the angling of the cables toward cable guides 260, 262. For rieht atray- 2 36 of modules 232, main panels 324 arc anuled toward the opposite side of rack 230. Similarly, for left array 234 of nlodules 232, main panels 324 are angled toxvard the riglit side of rack 230. Use of the anoled retainers 362 pennits an~~lin~ back of the cables toward the respective ri~ht and left sides of rack 230. The an!;led retainers 362 hold each adapter 134 so its longitudinal axis is at a non-transverse angle to the planar portion of main panel 324.
Commonly owned U.S. Patent No. 5214,735 shows example retainers usable with WO 00/52504 14 I'CT/US00/03965 main panel 324. Thc disclosure of U.S. 1'atcnt No. 5,214,735 is incorporated by reference.
To maintain main panel 324 in the closed position, two latches 362 are provided, sinlilar to latches 162 noted above. Lach latch 362 enga;es a tab 364 extending from top and bottom plates 350, 352.
Referring now to FIGS. 20-23, internal cable managenient features are provided v.,ithin terniination module 232. Cable clamps 382 securely hold the cable or cables entering termination module 232 at side opening 315 through side 314. Lower clanips 382a are used for cables enterinb termination module 232 from above. Upper clamps 382b are used for cable entering termination module 232 from belo\v. Preferably, all of the clamps 382 are positioned at an angle. Clamps 382 are preferably positioned on mounting flanges 383. From clamps 382, the individual fibers are routed through various cable guides 386 including tabs, spools, clips, or rings. A tie bracket 390 can be utilized with or instead of clamps 382 to tie down cable enterinp- termination module 332. On rear 340 of main panel 324, a rear trav 392 is positioned in a central location on niain panel 324 projecting horizontally and rearwardly. Rear tray 392 includes one ol- niore horizontal cable rings 394. A
vertical fip 395 extends rearwardly fronl the free edge of main panel 324 to protect the cables and the connectors.
As shown in FIG. 21, exaniple cables (fibers) enter terniination module 232 tlu-ouDli side opening 31 5. Clamp 382 liolds exaniple first and second fibers 384a, 384b. First fiber 384a extends around lower spool or guidz 386a to an upper spool or guide 386b around an upper corner guide 386c to upper ring 388b, through horizontal ring 394 to one of the lower locations on niain panel 324.
Second example fiber 384b extcnds from lower guide 386a. to lower coriier guide 386d, and tIu-ougli lower ring 388a. From lower rinc 388a, second fiber 384b passes tllrough horizontal rinc 394 to an upper location on main panel 324.
Frame 220 is used in a similar manner as frame 20 whcre the left and riQlit arrays 234, 236 may be utilized to terminate cables entering the building, and cables connectcd to various teleconln]unlcatlons within the bulld(no. Frame nlay be utilized to run patch cables in order- to cross-connect the various rear tel-mination locations. The patch cables pass bencath splice area 224. rrom each front connection location, the patch cables ente-- one of cable guides 260, 262 for vertical manakement of the patch cables. 1=rom a lower end of cable guides 260, 3~ 262, the cables pass horizontallti, to the otlicl- sicie of frame 220, or to another frame or other equiplnent. f:xcess lenoths of patch cables can be wound around appropriate spools 286) in one of cable manacelnent panels 240 to conveniently store the excess lenptlis. and to avoid tan-linL the patch cables together.
Alternatively. the NN'O 00/52504 15 PCT/iJS00/03965 patch cables may run from eitlier the left or the right array 234, 236 to an adjacent frame, or to otlier equipment.
Referrino now to FIGS. 25 and 26, a frame 4210 is shown which is siniilar to frame 220 for the features of the rack 230, termination modules 2132, splice tray assembly 244, cable management panels 240. and euides 260. 262. Frame 420 includes adjustable cable rinas 474 in tennination area 222. Rino 474 includes outer arms 475 and inner nioveable arms 476. The location and spacing of anns 476 can be selected depending on the location and amount of cable to be held by rings 474.
A cable rin- 474 is shown in greater detail in FIGS. 28 and 29. For example, separate space is useful for top entering cables which first extend to splice arca 244, and for further cables eatendin- up from splice area 244 to termination nlodules 232.
Inner arnis 476 are held by fasteners 477 to a connecting section 478 of outer anns 475. lnner arms 476 define an inner chaniber 480 for cables enterinc franie 420.
The serrations 482 can be used to secure an o-rinQ or other tie to secure the cables in chamber 480. Outside of chaniber 480 in area 484, other cables can be positioned, such as cables froni the splice area 244 extendina to the tennination area 224. Also, frarne 420 includes a lower opening 480 so as to allow cables to pass to a rear side of frame 420, for passing the cable to a second franie mounted back-to-back with frame 420, or to connect to other telecommunications equipment.
Frame 520 of FIG. 27, noted above, includes splice tray assenibly 244 mounted in an inverse position so that the dividers 292 anRle dwwwwardly in a direction toward the center of franle 520. The arranaement of FIG. 27 is useful for managing cables entering from bottom 528 which are terminated at splice tray assembly 244. To increase manufacturing efficiencies. assenibly 244 is identical in franles 420, 520 but selectively, mounted in the desired orientation.
Referring now to FIGS. 30-37, a fourth preferred enlbodiment of a frame 620 is sllowm for splicing, terminating, and manaoing fiber optic cables within the frame. An upper portion 622 of frame 620 defines a tennination area. A
lo"ver portion 624 of fraine 620 defines a splice area, as for exaniple described above for the enibodinients slloNvn in FIGS. 1-29. Cables containin, one or niore individual optical fibers enter franie 620 typically from an overhead cable envirorunent through a top 626 of franie 620, or from a raised floor environment at a bottom 628 of frame 620. If the cables are pre-terminated, the cables extcnd directly to terniination area 622. If the cables entering frame 620 are not pre-terminated, the cables extend to splice area 624 for splicing to terminated cables.
Frame 620 includes a rack 630 which supports a plurality of termination modules 632. In the illustrated cnibodiment, left and right arrays of termination modules 632 are provided. In FIGS. 30-32, onlv the rigllt arra}' 636 is slioxvn. Each array in the illustrated embodiment includes three individual termination modules 632b (onl), 2 ar-e shown).
Frarne 620 is used to cross-connect telecommunications equipment through the ter-nination locations provided by the franic. Frame 620 also includes a cable nianagement panel (not shown), as described above, and a horizontal cable tray 650 positioned below splice area 624.
Pack 630 further supports two vertical cable guides 660, 662, one on each side of rack 630, for use in managing and protecting patch cables adjacent to a fi-ont of frarne 620. Cable guides 660, 662 include a plurality of finger-s 664, including one angled frneer 665. Cach of cable guides 660, 662 is preferably tnade in segments 663, as part of tlie niodular design of franie 620. Eacli segment includes a base section 670, a side section 672, and a liinge 674 for hingedly mounting front doors (not showm) to rack 630. Fingers 664, 665 all extend froni side section 672.
As above with respect to frames 20, 220, components making up frame 620 are preferably separate components lield togetller by fasteners, to aid in assembly, and versatility in use. In the illustrated enlbodiment, termination modules 631 and cable guides 660, 662 are separate froni rack 630.
Referring nokv to FIGS. 33-36, eacii termination module 632 includes a top 710, a bottom 712, opposed sides 714, 716, and a rear 718. Side 714 defines a side opening 715 bounded on tlu-ee sides. Side opening 715 perniits cable access to an interior of module 632. The illustrated module in FIGS. 33-37 is froni right array 636. As opposed to the termination modules 232a. 2321i noted above, tennination nlodule 632 from rig,lit array 636= is not identical to the termination modules for use in the left array, as will be seen from the following discussion.
Each ternlination niodule 632 defines an open front 720 preferably closed off by door or main panel 724 which is hingedly mounted to main housing 722, in a siniilar maruler as niodule 232 noted above. Main panel 724 is constructed in a sirnilar manner as main panel 324 noted above with respect to the mounting of adapter-s 134. The main panels 724 are shown fully loaded with adapters 134.
lnstead of clips 344 as noted above for main panel 324, main pancl 724 includes a plurality of guides or extensions 744, one adjacent to each row of adapters 134. Guides 744 catend from side pancl 743. Guides 744 rotate with main panel 724 and side panel 743. Cacli guide 744 holds the cablcs from each connector 142a disposed in each row. l~rom guides 744. the cables extend througb a side access of the closest vertical cable guide 660. 662. Guides 744 hel.p retain and protect thc cables as main panel 724 is rotated. Without Luides 744. rotation of main WO 00/52504 17 I'CT/US00/03968 panel 724 niay excessively pull or push on the portions of the cables positioned within vertical cable cuides 660. 662.
Guides 744 are preferably fornied as extensions of planar side panel 743. Sheet metal is a convenient niaterial for nial:inL mzUn pZnel 724 and side panel 743, as well as guides 744. Each guide 744 includes a main extension 746, with an angled tab 748, angled toward the respective vertical cable Eiuide 660. 6621.
Extendine vertically on opposite sides of tab 748 are first and second finaers 750, 752. A slot 754 is formed between one fin-er 750. 752 of one uuide 744 and an opposite finoer 752, 750 of an adjacent guide 744 above or below the respective guide. Slot 754 is sized for receipt of cables, such as during installation or removal of the cables. Preferably, slot 754 is at an angle to the horizontal, to help limit each cable fronl fallinR out of guides 744 durina movement of otlier cables, or movement of main panel 724. An edge protector 756 is snapped over main extension 746 to protect the cables froni possible damacie from the sharper edges of main extension 746, such as occurs if sheet nietal is used.
Like niain panel 324 noted above, niain panel 724 is hingedly mounted top 710 and bottom 712 of termination niodule 632. Further, main panel 724 is disposed at an angle to a vertical plane extending parallel to a front and a rear of frame 620. Further, maiii panel 724 includes the use of angled retainers 362 as noted above. To niaintain niain panei 724 in the closed position, two vertically operated latches 762 are provided, similar to tiie latches noted above which operate horizontally.
Referrin2 now to FIGS. 34 and 35. internal cable manacement features are provided within termination module 632. Cable clamps 782 securely hold the cable or cables entering terniination module 632 at side opening 715 tlirough side 714. Lower clarnps 782a are used for cables entering tennination module 632 from below. Upper clamps 782b are used for cables entering termination module 632 from above. Preferably, all of clamps 782 are positioned at an angic. Clarnps 782 are preferably positioned on mounting flanoes 783. Froni clamp 782, the individual fibers are routed through various cable guides 786 including tabs, spools, clips, or rinys. A tie bracket can be utilized kvith or instead of the clamps to tie down cable enterino termination module 632. On rear 740 of nlain panel 724, a rear tray 792 is positioned along a lower edge of main panel 724 projecting horizontally and rearwardly. Rear tray 792 includes one or niore horizontal cable rings 794. A vertical lip 795 extends rearwardly froni the free edge of main panel 724 to protect the cables and the connectors.
As sho,.vn in FIG. 35, example.cables ((ibers) enter tertnination module 632 through side opening 715. Clanip 782 holds example first and second WO 00/52504 I b PCT/US00/03968 fibcrs 784a, 784b. Both fibers exteild around lower spool or guide 786a to an upper spool or guide 786b through an upper ring 786c, and througli horizontal ring 794 to one of the connection locations on main panel 724.
Referring now to FIG. 37, a rear cover 800 is supplied for protectin~~
the cables adjacent to the connection locations on a rear side of main panel 724. In FIG. 37, a tcrmination nlodule 632' from the left array of frame 620 is show,n. The niodule 632' of FIG. 37 is a mirror imabe of the module 632 of FIG. 34. Cover mounts to rear tray 792 with a tab 802 over lip 796 of tray 792. A leaf spring fits into notch 798. Two top tabs 806, 808 en~al;c a top of panel 724 to furthel-sccure cover 800.
The above speciGcation, examples and data provide a complete description of the nianufacture and use of the composition of the invention.
Since many embodiments of the invention can be made Nvitliout departing froni the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

Claims (5)

1. A fiber distribution frame comprising:
(a) a rack extending vertically from a bottom to a top, the rack defining a left side, a right side, a front, and a rear;
(b) a top cable access at the top of the rack, and a bottom cable access at the bottom of the rack;
(c) two vertical columns of splice tray holders, each column defining a plurality of angled divider walls each sized to receive a splice tray;
(d) a vertical cable passageway between the columns of splice tray holders, the vertical cable passageway in communication with the top cable access and the bottom cable access.

2. The fiber distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the splice tray holders angle upwardly and toward a center of the rack.

3. The fiber distribution frame of claim 2, further comprising cable clamps mounted to the rack adjacent to the top cable access.

4. The fiber distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the splice tray holders angle downwardly and toward a center of the rack.

5. The fiber distribution frame of claim 4, further comprising cable clamps mounted to the rack adjacent to the bottom cable access.